Position:

Employment Specialist Status:

Full-Time, Non-Exempt Location:

Petaluma, CA Schedule:

40 hours per week. This position requires a flexible schedule and may include evenings, and occasional weekends based on program, participant, and organizational needs.

Supervisor:

Director, RTP Works Salary:

$29.81/hour, with medical benefits Job Summary The Employment Specialist provides employment and workforce development services to help participants build skills, gain work experience, overcome employment barriers, and secure and retain sustainable employment. This position provides individualized career coaching, facilitates employment-focused workshops, develops employer partnerships, and connects participants with employment, training, education, and career development opportunities. The Employment Specialist works collaboratively with internal staff and community partners to support participants in achieving their employment goals. Job Duties Career Coaching & Employment Support

• Provide individualized career coaching and employment support, including resume assistance, interview preparation, job search assistance, and basic digital literacy support.
• Assist participants in identifying employment goals and developing practical steps toward employment.
• Connect participants with appropriate job opportunities, training programs, certifications, education, and career resources.
• Assist participants with job applications, interviews, onboarding, and understanding workplace expectations.
• Maintain accurate case notes and document participant employment activities, placements, and progress.
• Help identify employment barriers and connect participants with appropriate supportive services and community resources. Participant Transportation & Support
• Transport participants to job interviews, employment opportunities, service providers, training programs, workshops, and other program-related activities as needed.
• Provide transportation in a safe, professional manner, and in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Valid California driver's license required. Workshop Support
• Assist with planning and facilitating employment-focused workshops on topics such as job readiness, workplace communication, career exploration, digital skills, and professional development.
• Coordinate with staff, employers, and community partners to support guest presentations, trainings, and employment-related activities. Employer & Community Engagement
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with local employers and workforce partners to identify employment opportunities for participants.
• Share appropriate job leads and employment opportunities with participants.
• Represent RTP Works at job fairs, community events, partner meetings, and other employment-related activities as needed.
• Conduct outreach to prospective participants and encourage eligible individuals to learn about and participate in RTP Works programs and services. Program & Team Support
• Collaborate with RTP Works staff and community partners to coordinate participant referrals and employment-related services.
• Maintain current employment resources, job leads, and training information.
• Participate in team meetings and communicate participant progress, employment needs, and program updates to the Program Manager. Data Tracking & Documentation
• Maintain accurate and timely participant records, case notes, workshop attendance, and employment-related documentation.
• Track employment activities and outcomes and provide updates to the Program Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow organizational policies and program requirements. Qualifications & Skills
• Experience in employment services, workforce development, case management, career coaching, social services, or a related field preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive and professional relationships with participants, employers, community partners, and coworkers.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of employment experience.
• Strong problem-solving and resource-navigation skills.
• Ability to facilitate or assist with workshops and group activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Salesforce experience is a plus.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and handle confidential information.
• Bilingual/multilingual skills are a plus, particularly Spanish/English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to meet organizational requirements for transporting participants. Core Competencies
• Relationship Building
• Communication
• Career Coaching
• Organization & Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Workshop Facilitation
• Employer Engagement
• Community Engagement
• Team Collaboration
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Professionalism
• Confidentiality

Adaptability ADA Compliance:

Physical, Environmental, Cognitive and Psychological Requirements:

Physical:

Regularly sits 3-4 hours per day for case documentation, data entry, and administrative tasks. Frequently stands, walks, and moves throughout the day to assist with workshops, meet with participants, and conduct outreach. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport participants and to travel to job sites, community events, and partner locations. Must have excellent hearing, speech, and writing capabilities and the ability to lift and carry workshop materials and supplies up to 20lbs.

Environmental:

Works both independently and in collaboration with participants, employers, and community partners in office, classroom, and community/field settings, including job sites, employer locations, and community events. Work environment may be moderately noisy, and travel by vehicle is a regular part of the role. Distractions and interruptions are frequent.

Cognitive:

Required to read, write, compile, sort, and analyze information ranging from simple to moderately complex, including case notes, employment activities, and program documentation. Independently assesses participant needs and manages a varied caseload. Strong organizational and time-management skills are required to coordinate workshops, employer contacts, and participant follow-up. Able to communicate clearly and resolve moderately complex problems independently. Uses judgement and initiative, within defined limits of discretion, in making recommendations regarding participant services.

Psychological:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with participants facing employment barriers and to navigate emotional, demanding, or difficult situations with professionalism and empathy. Regular exposure to situations involving competing deadlines, shifting priorities, and multiple concurrent responsibilities. Excellent teamwork and proactive collaboration with RTP Works staff and community partners are essential.

Accommodation Recommendations:

A person using a wheelchair or other mobility device can perform this position with assistance from other staff for transportation-related duties and off-site activities. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Rebuilding Together Petaluma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements.

Pay:

From $29.81 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance On-the-job training Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person